Delmarva is an acronym of the names of the states that occupy it: Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia (abbreviated VA). The earliest uses of the term appear to have been commercial – for example, the Delmarva Heat, Light, and Refrigerating Corp. of Chincoteague, Virginia, was in existence by 1913. But general use of the term did not occur until the 1920s.

Delaware was one of the thirteen colonies which revolted against British rule in the American Revolution. After the Revolution began in 1776, it's three counties, New Castle County, Kent County and Sussex County became "The Delaware State," and in 1776 that entity adopted its first constitution, declaring itself to be the "Delaware State."